BLADDER INFECTION | CAUSES | SYMPTOMS | TREATMENT

Source

Bladder infection is caused by a bacterial infection within the bladder. In people with weakened immune systems, yeast can cause bladder infections as well. A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). This refers to an infection anywhere in the urinary tract, such as the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or the urethra. Most cases of bladder infections are acute, meaning they occur suddenly. Other cases may be chronic, meaning they recur over the long term. Early treatment is key to preventing the spread of the infection.

CAUSES OF BLADDER INFECTIONS:

interactions between the infecting organism (bacteria, yeast, virus), the number of the organisms that are present in the bladder, and the body’s ability to fight off the organism (host defense mechanisms).

The most common way bacteria gain access to the urinary system from outside is through the urethra (the tube that allows urine to pass from the bladder to outside of the body).

The most common source of bacteria that cause UTIs is from the stool.
In women, the bacteria from the stool travel first to the vagina and then enter the urethra.
Sometimes bacteria may enter the bladder via the urethra from nearby skin.
In general, women are more susceptible to bladder infections due to their shorter length of urethra.
In the first year of life, boys have a higher risk of UTIs, but thereafter girls have a higher risk that persists in adulthood.
In terms of specific bacteria, E. coli (Escherichia coli) is by far the most common organism responsible for bladder infection or cystitis. Staphylococcal (staph) organisms (from skin) and other gut bacteria (Proteus, Klebsiella, Enterococcus) are other bacteria that can cause cystitis and other forms of urinary infections. The type of organism causing the infection can vary with the individual’s age. For example, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, a skin bacteria, causes approximately 10% of symptomatic bladder infections in young sexually active women, whereas it rarely causes bladder infections in males and elderly individuals.

Rarely, bladder infection can be caused by a fungus. Candida is the most common fungus to cause bladder infection. Candida infections of the bladder and urinary tract are much less common than bacterial infections. Bladder infections from Candida can occur in patients whose immune system is weakened, individuals who have been treated with powerful antibiotics for other infections, and individuals who have had indwelling urinary catheters.

Viruses can rarely cause bladder infections. Viral cystitis can occur in individuals after bone marrow transplantation and in other individuals with a weakened immune system (immunocompromised individuals). Adenovirus can cause bladder infections and BK virus is another virus that can cause bladder infections in individuals who have undergone bone marrow transplantation.

SYMPTOMS

SEVERE PAIN.

The main bladder infection symptom is pain when the bladder is full or filling. You may also experience pain in the pelvis, abdomen and in the vagina, while voiding or during sex. Men may feel pain in their prostate, scrotum or penis.

FREQUENCY.

The need to urinate frequently, including overnight, is a classic bladder infection symptom. Some people with a severe bladder infection may urinate upwards of 40 times over the course of a full day/night compared to the usual seven or eight

URGENCY.

This bladder infection symptom develops when you’re unable to delay urination and feel an urge to urinate, sometimes straight after doing so. It’s usually not associated with urinary leakage or a fear of leakage although urge incontinence does sometimes occur

URINE.

Cloudy, bloody or smelly urine is another classic bladder infection symptom and a sign cystitis is present.

REMEDIES:

CHANGING THEIR METHOD OF BIRTH CONTROL:
Bladder infections appear to be more common in women who use spermicides and a diaphragm.

STAYING HYDRATED AND URINATING DIRECTLY AFTER SEXUAL INTERCOURSE:
This may help to wash out any bacteria that enter the bladder.

TOPICALLY APPLYING ESTRADIOL CREAM IF POSTMENOPAUSAL:
Postmenopausal women may benefit from using vaginal estrogen to reduce risk of infection.

USING A PREVENTIVE ANTIBIOTIC:
This may be recommended if someone repeatedly develops bladder infections and has not responded to other preventive measures.

TREATMENT:

A mild bladder infection may go away on its own within a few days. If it doesn’t, it’s usually treated with antibiotics. You usually start to feel better in a day or so, but be sure take all the medicine as directed.

Women with a basic infection usually take antibiotics for 3 to 7 days, though some doctors may give you an antibiotic you can take just once. For stronger infections, or if you get them often, you may take antibiotics for 7 to 10 days. And, if you have another health condition, such as diabetes, you may get a stronger antibiotic to take over a longer time.

References:
webmd
healthline

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